Boston College vs. UConn Game Preview

The Eagles (4-6, 1-5 ACC) did not stand much of a chance last week in their showdown with Florida State in Tallahassee, as the Seminoles took an early lead and never looked back in a 45-7 victory. Once again, the BC offense left a lot to be desired, as the Eagles had just eight first downs, converted just one third down in 12 tries and had 146 total yards of offense.

Meanwhile, the Huskies (3-7, 1-6 AAC) are coming off of a bye week following their disappointing 21-0 shutout at home at the hands of Temple, which received three first-quarter touchdown passes from Phillip Walker, who finished with 215 passing yards. Temple put up 431 yards of total offense against Bob Diaco’s crew.

The Eagles and Huskies have played 12 previous times dating back to 1908, with meetings during UConn’s FBS history in 2000, 2002 and 2004 in Chestnut Hill and in East Hartford in 2003.

What to Know About Boston College

Steve Addazio’s Eagles were once again anemic on offense last week against the Seminoles, and that has far too often been the theme for the Eagles this season. BC had three first downs on its first two drives before having nine straight three-and-outs. That long-awaited next first down did not occur until midway through the fourth quarter. The Eagles finally made an appearance on the scoreboard with 3:21 remaining on a one-yard touchdown run by Richard Wilson. A pair of sacks by Harold Landry, Nos. 10 and 11 for him on the season, was the only defensive bright spot.

What to Know About UConn

The Huskies are renewing their rivalry with Boston College after a much-needed week off. UConn will not be going to the postseason this season after earning a bid to the St. Petersburg Bowl in 2015, so that is certainly a disappointment in Diaco’s third season. The Huskies will try to break their four-game skid this week, which is a possibility if they can find any semblance of offensive rhythm. The Eagles are not equipped to win a shootout, so UConn just needs to field a serviceable offense that will take care of the football. The problem is that this unit has dealt with its own share of offensive struggles, and it will be going against a BC defense that is stingy more often than not. After the game against BC, UConn will close the season at home against Tulane on Nov. 26.

Advantages

Offense: UConn. The Huskies may be far from sexy offensively, but BC is averaging a mere 295.5 yards per contest.

Defense: Boston College. The Eagles are giving up just 331.9 yards per game.

Special Teams: Even. Both squads have serviceable kickers, and they may both be needed a lot in this one, which figures to be a bit of a defensive struggle.

Coaching: Even. Neither head coach is enjoying much success this season.

Intangibles: Boston College. The Eagles are at home and will be looking to give fans and alumni something to smile over and talk about at the Thanksgiving table this year.

Matchup To Watch

Donovan Williams vs. BC defensive front

Diaco is sticking with his change at quarterback this week, as Williams will get the starting nod over Bryant Shirreffs. At his Tuesday press conference, Diaco said that the freshman’s upside “is as high as any player at his position in America.” While that is high praise, it certainly makes sense to get a fresh start on offense, because it’s a unit that needs all the spark it can get. In his first start against Temple last week, Williams went 12 of 21 passing for just 69 yards, but he gained 66 yards on 16 carries. Diaco sacrificed Williams’ redshirt year, and the game plan was simplified against the Owls. He had an extra week to prepare, but he will not have success if he gets little to no protection from an O-Line that has struggled this season.

Betting Odds

Spread: Boston College -7Over/Under: 37

Boston College vs. UConn Prediction

Williams won’t have much of a chance to have success against the Eagles if he is not kept upright. The BC defense should be able to take advantage of a shoddy Huskies offensive line, and the Eagles will get just enough offense to claim a home victory over their Northeast foe.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers fired athletic director Shawn Eichorst Thursday after the football team lost to Northern Illinois. Less than a week after the Nebraska football team suffered a 21-17 loss to Northern Illinois, the Cornhuskers have fired athletic director Shawn Eichorst. Eichorst was quoted earlier in the week expressing his displeasure with the Cornhuskers’ performance. […]

Stay up to date with the latest news

About Dave Miller

Covering the college football landscape since the 2009 season. DePaul University graduate and lifelong Chicagoan obsessed with the Olympic Games, Sunday morning newspapers and country music. One day the Detroit Lions will win a Super Bowl.